Advanced heat-pipe heat exchanger and microprocessor-based modulating burner controls development
Abstract
The development of a novel condensing heat exchanger, a modulating gas burner, and a zone-controlled residential warm-air heating system is described. The condensing heat exchanger uses ten thermosyphons which are manifolded at both the condenser and evaporator ends to achieve a compact low-cost design. Initial tests have demonstrated a + 92 percent steady-state efficiency for a conventional clamshell furnace operating with the thermosyphon heat exchanger located outside the furnace cabinet. A 100,000 -Btu/hr modulating burner has also been developed. Comprehensive study of the burner's operating characteristics has produced guidelines for the design and application of the device. Finally, the modulating burner has been incorporated into a zone-controlled heating system. In parallel with the development of the preceding heating system components, the performance of thermosyphons over a wide range of operating conditions is being explored with the objective of improving design procedures for incorporating these devices into heat exchangers.
- Publication:
-
Annual Report
- Pub Date:
- March 1986
- Bibcode:
- 1986tec..rept.....L
- Keywords:
-
- Automatic Control;
- Burners;
- Heat Exchangers;
- Space Heating (Buildings);
- Design Analysis;
- Microprocessors;
- Residential Energy;
- Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer